If you are backpacking through Holland, then a stopover in Rotterdam is certain. Good choice! Amsterdam gets a lot of attention, though for different reasons. Rotterdam has its own very unique character and spirit and very much merits a visit.

This bustling Dutch port town boats some truly magnificent modern architecture, a fun pub scene, museums, and of course many, many accommodation options. Some of which are WAY pricier than others.

How does a backpacker go about finding cheap digs? Which hostels are the best hostels in Rotterdam for budget travelers?

To solve this question, I wrote this ultimate guide to the best hostels in Rotterdam for 2024.

You’re about to get the inside scoop on a variety of awesome hostels in Rotterdam!

In writing this hostel guide, the goal was to make it easy for you to book your hostel, so you can spend more time focusing on planning your backpacking adventure and less time researching where to sleep.

The info is all here and ready for ya!

Let’s go have a look…

rotterdam cube houses
Rotterdam… or anywhere?
Photo: Roaming Ralph

Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Rotterdam

Image over canal of the Rotterdam city skyline with red arch bridges.
Welcome to my super in-depth guide to the best hostels in Rotterdam!
Photo: @Lauramcblonde

The 10 Best Hostels in Rotterdam

Many backpackers in the Netherlands skip Rotterdam but not you! Let’s look at some of the cities very best hostels.

King Kong Hostel Rotterdam – Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Rotterdam

King Kong Hostel Rotterdam best hostels in Rotterdam
With many social activities and shared spaces here, King Kong Hostel is the best hostel for solo travelers in Rotterdam.

The best thing, or one of the best things, about King Kong Hostel, is its sheer amount of communal space: there’s a ‘movie basement’ where you can watch films with new friends, chill on its many benches, plus when the weather’s nice it spills onto the street outside with a sociable terrace. It’s definitely in the running for best hostel in Rotterdam in 2024, too; with its design-led, boutique feel, it’s more like a chic hotel than a youth hostel in Rotterdam, so you can meet new people AND be stylish at King Kong – though we don’t know what the name’s about.

Kingkool The Hague – Best Cheap Hostel in Rotterdam #2

Group of young hostel staff wearing a blue "I am King" branded hostel T-shirt
The best cheap hostels come with the best cheapskates.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde

The aesthetic at Kingkool The Hague is basic yet design-y, a bit edgy, you know: think dorms bunks with frames made of old pipes, walls plastered with pinups, graffiti, mismatched wood panelling, things like that. We’d say it falls short of the coolest hostel in Rotterdam (though it is still pretty cool to be fair), but as for location the weirdly named Kingkool is pretty much smack bang in the heart of The Hague, and loads of other central sights of Rotterdam. This is somewhat reflected in the price, but still – it won’t break your wallet.

Is This the Best Backpack EVER???
Aether Backpack

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

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Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Rotterdam

Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel best hostels in Rotterdam
If you want a hostel memory to share with your partner for years to come then stay at the best hostel for couples in Rotterdam: Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel.

Rotterdam is actually famous for its Cube Houses, so the chance to stay in them (and for not a bad price at all) is definitely something you should consider. As a couple you’d wanna stay somewhere you’ll remember, and as far as the Cube Hostel goes you couldn’t go wrong. In fact, it’s probably the coolest hostel in Rotterdam. Each cube is stylishly decorated, angled at 45-degrees for a space-age feel, and do include dorms as well as private rooms. There’s also a hip bar/restaurant on site. So if you’re after a seriously unique budget hostel in Rotterdam, these iconic cubes will definitely do the job.

CityHub Rotterdam – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Rotterdam

CityHub Rotterdam best hostels in Rotterdam
This futuristic hostel easily won the top spot for the best hostel for digital nomads in Rotterdam. See details below.

This is like, THE hostel of the future. Seriously. It’s less like a Rotterdam backpackers hostel though, and more like a Japanese capsule hotel – except with more of a lavish futuristic vibe, less of the drunken-businessman-who’s-missed-the-last-train-home feel. Each ‘pod’ at CityHub Rotterdam is a little slice of luxury, with a double bed, space to put all your stuff, plugs sockets and lights, whilst the bathrooms are sleek, modern gender-separated affairs, plus there’s space to socialise and work downstairs. It’s all top-notch. And the cherry on top? You get free pocket WiFi to take around Rotterdam. Now if that doesn’t suit a digital nomad we don’t know what does.

Sparks Hostel – Best Hostel with a Private Room in Rotterdam

Sparks Hostel best hostels in Rotterdam
Looking for a quiet place to lay your head? Sparks Hostel is the best hostel with a private room in Rotterdam…

Bunks with sliding doors for privacy and stairs instead of uncomfortable ladders (and no privacy) are definitely the way forward, and yep: Sparks Hostel’s got ’em. That’s the first of many points for this top hostel in Rotterdam, a firm choice right next to the Central Station. Add bedside plug sockets and lights to that. And don’t forget the huge kitchen, oh and the lobby where you can chill with fellow travellers. Add a knock-out location, with shops, bars, restaurants, cafes and cultural hotspots, and you can see it’s no wonder Sparks is a hugely recommended hostel in Rotterdam.

Hostel Ani & Haakien – Overall Best Hostel in Rotterdam

Hostel Ani & Haakien best hostels in Rotterdam
Hip, modern, and homey all in one package. Hostel Ani & Haakien is the best hostel in Rotterdam!

Overall, we think you’ll find that Hostel Ani & Haakien is the best hostel in Rotterdam 2021, definitely. Why’s that then? Well, with that typically Dutch cocktail of traditional and modern making it equal parts homely and design-y, this top hostel in Rotterdam is also well located, being just 600 metres from the Central Station. And that’s great news: no-one likes traipsing around with hefty bags, do they? With its basic (but cool) and clean dorms, well-functioning kitchen, stylish common areas, Hostel Ani & Haakien is the perfect base for exploring Rotterdam – by bicycle, if you want! (Plus it’s a bargain).

Hostel ROOM Rotterdam – Best Cheap Hostel in Rotterdam #1

Shoes stuck on the ceiling around a glitter ball.
One of a kind hostel.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde

Not only is Hostel ROOM the cheapest, it’s also a highly recommended hostel in Rotterdam – so whilst it’s budget, it’s also really really good. It’s warm and friendly. There’s a bar. And, in true Rotterdam backpackers hostel tradition, there’s a definite boutique-type thing going on here – each room is differently themed, and all of them done with the utmost care. Plus the common areas here are V comfy. Though not muchcheaper than other hostels, if you’re out to save pennies where you can, Hostel ROOM (capitals for emphasis?) is a solid bargain.

Hostel ROOM Rotterdam is one of our favourites in Rotterdam but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

The Student Hotel Rotterdam – Best Cheap Hostel in Rotterdam #3

The Student Hotel Rotterdam best hostels in Rotterdam!
The Student Hotel rounds off our list of the best cheap hostels in Rotterdam!

Hmm, ok, so this is not a hostel – but if the idea of dorms is just too much for you to take, then you might as well book yourself into The Student Hotel. It’s a decent price for a hotel, but relative to a Rotterdam backpackers hostel it’s pretty pricey. To be fair though, it does bill itself as a ‘community style hotel’, meaning there’s a lot of space for communal sitting, working, chatting, meeting, all that sociable sorta stuff. There’s also a cafe/restaurant here that serves up tasty (and healthy) food, and the rooms are clean and stylish.

The Student Hotel Rotterdam is one of our favourites in Rotterdam but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.
Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

More Best Hostels in Rotterdam

Want to stay in the party district or maybe somewhere more laidback? Decide on where to stay in Rotterdam before booking your hostel.

Youth Hostel The Hague

Youth Hostel The Hague best hostels in Rotterdam
Youth Hostel The Hague is full of life and character, making it one of the best hostels in Rotterdam…

Youth Hostel The Hague – it’s unimaginative, but it definitely says what it does. It’s a youth hostel in Rotterdam close to The Hague. And if what you’re looking for is culture and tourist sights – traditional Rotterdam – then you’ll be staying at the right place here. It’s pretty cosy and the rooms are basic but well designed. However, you will be paying that P for the location (literally in the heart of The Hague), whilst also staying in a traditional Dutch townhouse. But if that’s what you want we say go for it. Plus it is close to the fun and many of the main Rotterdam attractions.

Youth Hostel The Hague is one of our favourites in Rotterdam but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Hotel Light

Hotel Light best hostels in Rotterdam
Hotel Light is not the cheapest option, though it is certainly a very nice place rest up and enjoy a well-put-together hostel.

Man, whatever this building used to be it’s flipping impressive. So if the words historical and heritage get you going when it comes to places to stay then you’ll be very pleased to know that Hotel Light is a (relatively) cheap option when it comes to hotels in the city – though it is not exactly a budget hostel in Rotterdam. However, it does have a communal kitchen, and ample space in the lobby for sitting around, meeting-and-greeting, or working. And in classic Dutch fashion things are stylish and classy here – including the rooms. Couple that with the amazing building and you got yourself a very solid option for staying in Rotterdam.

Hotel Light is one of our favourites in Rotterdam but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

What to Pack for your Rotterdam Hostel

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Make Some New Buddies…
Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out our definitive Hostel Packing list for our top packing tips!

Why you should travel to Rotterdam

Well my friends, that’s all I got; we have come to the end of my guide to the best hostels in Rotterdam for 2024.

Now you are armed with all of the important details you need to book a hostel of your choosing. I hope you found this hostel guide to be helpful!

Statue of a horse in a crate suspended in the air by a crane in Rotterdam city centre
Because there’s nowhere like Rotterdam.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde

There really is so much to get into in Rotterdam, that finding the right hostel and getting some solid rest is very important!

Still unsure of which hostel to book? If you have a case of hostel-information-overload (HIO) than I recommend that you book my top pick for the overall best hostel in Rotterdam: Hostel Ani & Haakien. Happy backpacking!

FAQ about Hostels in Rotterdam

Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Rotterdam.

How much does a hostel cost in Rotterdam?

On average, hostel prices are always changing ESPECIALLY in Europe, but you can generally expect to pay around $28 and $33+ per night.

What are the best hostels in Rotterdam for couples?

Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel is the coolest hostel for couples in Rotterdam. It’s famous for its stylishly decorated, angled at 45 degrees for a space-age feel Cube Houses.

What is the best hostel in Rotterdam near the airport?

Rotterdam The Hague Airport is quite far from the central area, so it is usually better to find the best place in the area. Once you’re in the city, I highly recommend Hostel Ani & Haakien, the top-rated hostel in Rotterdam.

Travel Safety Tips for Rotterdam

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Over to you

By now I hope our epic guide to the best hostels in Rotterdam has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!

If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!

Looking for more info on travelling to Rotterdam and Netherlands?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!